The Size Switch

A translation of Monteiro Lobato's "A Chave do Tamanho." Though on one level a children's novel, the book also carries deep socio-political undertones. It tells the story of a rag doll who seeks to end war but ends up shrinking all of humanity to about half an inch. Millions die, but eventually she discovers the possibility of a new world order. But do people want to "switch" to a whole new world of peace?

The answer is as complicated as humanity.

The Size Switch is one of the later books in Lobato's Yellow Woodpecker Farm (O S tio do Picapau Amarelo) that has enchanted Brazilian children (and astute adults) for decades.

Cheney's translation retains the playfulness of the original while changing a few words that reflect the general racism that existed in the early 10th century.